In a shocking turn of events, Grand Canyon pulled off a monumental upset at the Global Credit Union Arena, defeating No. 26 Utah State 84-74. This stunning victory marks a significant milestone for the Antelopes, as they took down a top-30 team in the country. The magnitude of this win cannot be overstated, as Grand Canyon, ranked 74th in the net rankings, proved they can hang with the best of them.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Grand Canyon racing out to a 42-36 lead at halftime. Brian Moore Jr. and Makaih Williams led the charge, each scoring 20 points to pace the Antelopes' offense. Their balanced attack and stifling defense allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half, ultimately securing the 10-point victory.
Mason Falslev did his best to will Utah State to victory, posting an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Antelopes' collective effort. Grand Canyon's Jaden Henley also made significant contributions, chipping in 12 points to help seal the win.
This upset has major implications for both teams. For Grand Canyon, it's a Quadrant 1 win that will undoubtedly boost their tournament resume. Beating a top-30 team is a significant feather in their cap, and they'll look to build on this momentum as the season progresses. On the other hand, Utah State must regroup and refocus after this unexpected loss. Despite the setback, their strong overall record and net ranking of 26 should still keep them in the tournament conversation.
It's worth noting that this game was not expected to be such a one-sided affair, but Grand Canyon's dominant performance proved otherwise. Without a pre-game prediction to reference, it's clear that the Antelopes exceeded expectations in a big way.
As the season enters its critical stretch, Grand Canyon's win over Utah State will be a key talking point. This Quadrant 1 victory will be a crucial aspect of their tournament resume, demonstrating their ability to compete with and beat top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Utah State want to bounce back from this upset and continue to build their case for a tournament bid. For now, Grand Canyon can bask in the glory of their monumental upset, knowing it's a win that will resonate throughout the college basketball landscape. The Antelopes' tournament chances just got a significant boost, and they'll look to capitalize on this momentum as they push towards the postseason.